High School Students Rally for Clean Energy Investments
In the bustling city of San Francisco, a group of determined high school students is shaking things up in a big way by pushing their school to take a powerful stand on environmental issues. The Nueva School, a private institution located just outside the city, has announced that it will no longer invest in fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, and instead, it’s turning its gaze towards the sun by committing to renewable energy.
A Student-Led Movement
This significant decision comes as part of a larger fossil fuel divestment campaign that’s gaining momentum across 11 countries. High schoolers, who are often overlooked in the climate action conversation, are taking the lead and showing just how impactful they can be. The Nueva School’s endowment, which sits at $55 million, will now channel funds into sustainable projects. This commitment didn’t happen overnight. It followed six years of persistent conversations between students and the school’s board of trustees, demonstrating that when students unite for a cause, they can create real change.
Ines Pajot, an 18-year-old former student who played a pivotal role in this initiative, states, “If you’re choosing to put that money in the right projects, then you’re helping the world get where it needs to be.” This kind of attitude shows just how passionate and committed these students are about their future and the planet.
Reimagining Investments
While the Nueva School had no direct investments in fossil fuels initially, around 4% of its endowment was in funds indirectly tied to the industry. Instead of simply distancing themselves from those investments, students like Pajot and fellow organizer Alex Wagonfeld, 19, decided to turn the conversation toward reinvestment. “We wanted to use money to facilitate the energy transition,” Pajot explained.
Rather than approaching the board with demands, these students adopted a collaborative mindset. They engaged in open discussions, allowing both sides to express their thoughts. This approach not only helped them refine their objectives but also cultivated a relationship of trust with the administration, making their eventual success feel even more rewarding.
A Broader Impact
The achievements at the Nueva School fit into a much larger narrative, one where high school students across the globe, particularly in about 50 schools worldwide, join forces to advocate for greener financial practices. Some of their allies stretch beyond the U.S., making it clear that this is a movement poised for global influence. Schools like the prestigious Seattle Academy and St. Marks School in Massachusetts have also made headlines for their divestment initiatives, showing that even institutions with hefty endowments (some exceeding $1 billion) recognize the importance of sustainable practices.
Pajot highlighted the significance of this shift in school policies, saying, “The fact that the schools are making this decision shows that they’re taking climate change seriously.” Noting the continued pressure being put on institutions, she sees this as the start of a long-term trend.
The Student Activism Landscape
The divestment movement in high schools is relatively new compared to its older sibling on college campuses, which has garnered a lot of attention and success over the years. More than 260 educational institutions globally have recently pledged to stop investing in fossil fuel companies, with numerous legal challenges also being filed by students against schools that continue these investments.
Recently, the American Federation of Teachers backed a resolution pushing for the divestment of retirement funds from fossil fuels. The collective voice of young people and educators emphasizes a growing concern for climate issues, with many seeing it as a crucial aspect of education itself.
Looking Ahead
As the new head of the Nueva School, Lee Fertig, put it, “Climate change is probably the No 1 concern on their list that is keeping them up at night.” The students’ movement, as Pajot notes, is about creating a future aligned with their values and shaping a more sustainable world they want to live in.
In a time when youth activism is gaining ground, the Nueva School’s decision is more than just a symbolic gesture; it’s a poignant reminder that the voices of high school students can make waves in the fight against climate change.
